US Tariff Threat on Canadian Aircraft Could Ground Regional Fleets

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated trade tensions with Canada. He threatened a 50% tariff on all Canadian-made aircraft sold into the United States. The threat also included the decertification of Canadian aircraft, specifically naming Bombardier Global Express business jets. This action is tied to a dispute over aircraft certification.

Certification Dispute Triggers Threat

The former President accused Canada of illegally blocking certification for several Gulfstream jet models. The models cited include the Gulfstream G500, G600, G700, and G800. He stated the decertification of Canadian planes would stand until the U.S. manufacturer, Gulfstream, is fully certified by Canadian authorities. Aircraft certification is a key regulatory process. It determines if planes can be sold and operated in a country.

Potential Impact on US Air Travel

The threat of aircraft decertification could cause significant commercial aviation disruption. Industry experts warn that a broad move could be a "transportation disaster".

• Regional Airline Fleets: U.S. regional carriers rely heavily on Canadian-made jets. Approximately 648 Bombardier CRJ regional jets are in service with U.S. airlines. These aircraft operate over 2,600 daily flights.
• Airbus A220: The threat also impacts the Airbus A220 (formerly the Bombardier CSeries). This jet is currently operated by major U.S. carriers like Delta Air Lines and JetBlue.
• Bombardier Response: Bombardier stated its aircraft and facilities are fully certified to FAA aircraft certification standards. The company also highlighted that it employs over 3,000 people in the U.S..

Regulatory and Trade Concerns

The ability of a President to unilaterally decertify aircraft for non-safety reasons is uncertain. Aircraft authorization is traditionally a safety role. This function belongs to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The US-Canada aircraft tariff threat introduces great uncertainty into the aerospace industry. Stability is critical for long-term manufacturing and sales contracts. The Canadian aerospace sector is a major economic engine in Quebec. Leaders in the industry are urging a quick resolution. They stress the benefits of a strong, stable trade relationship for both countries.

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